Anonymous

Anonymous

United Methodist Church

Western Jurisdiction

I have faithfully served as a United Methodist Church Clergy Woman for over 30 years. I was single and celibate until I was 35 years old, not being able to reconcile my sexual orientation with my call to ministry. Unfortunately, I was also very lonely and feeling less than “whole.” It was beautiful and also terrifying the day I said, “Yes” to being in a relationship with another Clergy Woman. We have been in a committed relationship for over 16 years. There is no doubt that God has been with us on this journey, and we have been blessed by being in ministry in the United Methodist Church. We hope and pray for the day the United Methodist Church will openly affirm that the church has been blessed by our ministry.

With honor and respect I am donating this stole worn by my pastor during her 30+ years in ministry. It is with a heavy heart that this stole must be donated as “Anonymous” to protect her in her current ministry. I pray that this stole will be her voice until the day she can speak openly and freely herself.